WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES DECEMBER 23, 2021 13
BY DR. DAVE A. CHOKSHI
As a father of a young child and the city’s doctor, it
has been especially meaningful for me to see so
many brave children roll up their sleeves to get
vaccinated against COVID-19. I have had the privilege
of being present when some have gotten their fi rst
dose. I remember one young person had tragically lost
their mother to the COVID-19 pandemic. The family felt
relief and joy aft er waiting so long for the comfort of
knowing the child was protected.
Since the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized, over
140,000 children ages 5-11 have received at least one
dose in New York City. We are proud of this progress,
but still too many of our youngest New Yorkers remain
unvaccinated. Right now, it’s more urgent than ever,
because infection rates are highest among school-aged
children. Since the start of the pandemic, school-aged
children have accounted for approximately 7% of all
cases. In the last 30 days, 14% of all cases have been
among this age group.
It is critical for parents and caregivers to understand
that COVID-19 is a serious childhood illness.
It can result in hospitalizations, ICU admissions,
long-term health issues and, in rare cases, death. No
children have died from the vaccine.
Understandably, many parents and caregivers want
to make sure it’s safe — even those who are fully vaccinated
themselves. According to a new survey, about
a third of parents of children ages 5 to 11 say they want
to wait and see how the vaccine is working for others
before getting their child vaccinated. But our leading
pediatricians are strongly recommending vaccination
right now, precisely because it helps keep our kids safe.
Some are concerned aft er hearing about a risk of
myocarditis, or mild heart infl ammation. This is of
course something we take seriously. What we know
is that myocarditis is actually more likely to occur as a
result of COVID-19, not vaccination. It also likely helps
that the dose used in 5- to 11-year-olds is a third of the
dose used for those 12 and up.
But benefi ts of vaccination go beyond just protection
from COVID-19. Although, thankfully, the youngest
New Yorkers have largely avoided COVID’s worst outcomes,
they have all shared in our collective trauma,
and far too many have experienced loss. With vaccination,
children can return to normal life again. They can
catch up on hugs, play dates, sleepovers, sports and
school activities. They can more safely gather with
friends and family over the holidays.
Another reason to get the shot now is that starting
this week, children 5 and up will need to show proof of
at least one vaccination dose for indoor dining, fi tness
and entertainment activities and many aft er school
activities as well like sports, band and choir.
I urge everyone to get your child vaccinated as soon
as possible. You can go to the city’s vaccine fi nder to
fi nd locations in all fi ve boroughs, including city sites,
pharmacies and clinics. The Health Department is
working with over 1,500 pediatricians to distribute
the vaccine.
The instinct parents and caregivers have to protect
children is a good one — our fi rst priority is always to
keep our children safe. I want to be clear: To not have
your child vaccinated is taking a serious risk. The vaccine
will keep your child and our communities safe.
Dr. Dave Chokshi is New York City’s health
commissioner.
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